Tangential torque support

ABSTRACT

A superconducting rotor assembly includes an axial shaft and a winding support structure. A torque tube is connected to this winding support structure. An interconnection assembly mechanically couples the torque tube to the axial shaft. This interconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced by the torque tube to a tangential torque load which is provided to the axial shaft.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The following applications are hereby incorporated by referencedinto the subject application as if set forth herein in full: (1) U.S.application Ser. No. 09/632,599, filed Aug. 4, 2000, entitled“Superconducting Synchronous Machine Field Winding Protection” (Atty.Docket No. 05770-112001/ASC-458); (2) U.S. application Ser. No.09/632,602, filed Aug. 4, 2000, entitled “Segmented Rotor Assembly ForSuperconducting Rotating Machines” (Atty. Docket No.05770-123001/ASC-490); (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/632,600, filedAug. 4, 2000, entitled “Exciter For Superconducting Rotating Machinery”(Atty. Docket No. 05770-121001/ASC-487); (4) U.S. application Ser. No.09/632,601, filed Aug. 4, 2000, entitled “Stator Support Assembly ForSuperconducting Rotating Machines” (Atty. Docket No.05770-124001/ASC-491); (5) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/480,430, filedJan. 11, 2000, entitled “Exciter and Electronic Regulator for RotatingMachinery” (Atty. Docket No. 05770-101001/ASC-424); (6) U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/481,480, filed Jan. 11, 2000, entitled “Internal Support forSuperconducting Wires” (Atty. Docket No. 05770-105001/ASC-448); (7) U.S.Ser. No. 09/480,396, filed Jan. 11, 2000, entitled “Cooling System forHTS Machines” (Atty. Docket No. 05770-108001/ASC-456); (8) U.S.application Ser. No. 09/415,626, filed Oct. 12, 1999, entitled“Superconducting Rotating Machine” (Atty. Docket No.05770-099001/ASC-438); (9) U.S. Application No. 60/266,319, filed Jan.11, 2000, entitled “HTS Superconducting Rotating Machine” (Atty. DocketNo. 05770-106001/ASC-450); (10) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/905,611,filed Jul. 13, 2001, entitled “Enhancement of Stator Leakage Inductancein AirCore Machines” (Atty. Docket No. 05770-158001/ASC-544); (11) U.S.application Ser. No. 09/909,412, filed Jul. 19, 2001, entitled “TorqueTransmission Assembly for use in Superconducting Rotating Machines”(Atty. Docket No. 05770-154001/ASC-537); and (12) U.S. application Ser.No. 09/956,328, filed Sep. 19, 2001, entitled “Axially-Expandable EMShield” (Atty. Docket No. 05770-168001/ASC-597).

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to rotating machines.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Superconducting air-core, synchronous electric machines have beenunder development since the early 1960's. The use of superconductingwindings in these machines has resulted in a significant increase in thefield electromotive forces generated by the windings and increased fluxand power densities of the machines.

[0004] Early superconducting machines included field windings wound withlow temperature superconductor (LTS) materials, such as NbZr or NbTi andlater with Nb₃Sn. The field windings were cooled with liquid helium froma stationary liquifier. The liquid helium was transferred into the rotorof the machine and then vaporized to use both the latent and sensibleheat of the fluid to cool the windings. This approach proved to beviable for only very large synchronous machines. With the advent of hightemperature superconductor (HTS) materials in the 1980's, the coolingrequirements of these machines were greatly reduced and smallersuperconducting machines were realizable.

[0005] While HTS materials reduce the cooling requirements ofsuperconducting machines, it is still important that the field windingsof these machines remain sufficiently cool so that they maintain theirsuperconducting characteristics and properties. Accordingly, thesemachines utilize various assemblies that thermally insulate these coolfield windings from the warm output shaft of the machine.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to an aspect of this invention, a superconducting rotorassembly includes an axial shaft. A torque tube is connected to awinding support structure. An interconnection assembly mechanicallycouples the torque tube to the axial shaft. This interconnectionassembly is configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced bythe torque tube to a tangential torque load which is provided to theaxial shaft.

[0007] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes a torque tubeflange for connecting the interconnection assembly to the torque tube.An axial flange connects the interconnection assembly to the axial shaftand at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing memberconnects the torque tube flange to the axial flange. The axial flangemay also be a collar. Further, the axial flange may be directlyconnected to one of the end plates connected to the axial shaft of therotor assembly.

[0008] The torque tube flange includes at least one protruding bracketassembly positioned radially about the torque tube flange. Theprotruding bracket assemblies are configured to connect the torque tubeflange to the thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members.

[0009] The axial flange includes at least one protruding bracketassembly positioned radially about the axial flange. The protrudingbracket assemblies are configured to connect the axial flange to thethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members.

[0010] The thermally-insulating tangential load bearing members areconstructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity compositematerial, such as a G-10 phenolic material. The torque tube isconstructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial, such as Inconel.

[0011] A superconducting winding assembly is mounted on the windingsupport structure. The superconducting winding assemblies areconstructed using a high-temperature superconducting material. The hightemperature superconducting material is chosen from the group consistingof: thallium-barium-calcium-copper-oxide;bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper-oxide;mercury-barium-calcium-copper-oxide; and yttrium-barium-copper-oxide.The superconducting rotor assembly further includes a refrigerationsystem for cooling the superconducting winding assembly.

[0012] According to a further aspect of this invention, aninterconnection assembly for converting a torsional torque loadexperienced by a torque tube to a tangential torque load which isprovided to an axial shaft includes a torque tube flange for connectingthe interconnection assembly to the torque tube. An axial flangeconnects the interconnection assembly to the axial shaft. At least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member connects the torquetube flange and the axial flange.

[0013] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The axial flange may be a collar or may be directly connected to one ofthe end plates connected to the axial shaft of the rotor assembly.

[0014] The torque tube flange includes at least one protruding bracketassembly positioned radially about the torque tube flange. Theprotruding bracket assemblies are configured to connect the torque tubeflange to the thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members.

[0015] The axial flange includes at least one protruding bracketassembly positioned radially about the axial flange. The protrudingbracket assemblies are configured to connect the axial flange to thethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing members. Thethermally-insulating tangential load bearing members are constructed ofa high-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. The torque tube is constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material, such asInconel.

[0016] According to a further aspect of this invention, asuperconducting rotor assembly includes an axial shaft and a windingsupport structure. An asynchronous field filtering shield surrounds thewinding support structure. The asynchronous field filtering shield isconnected to the axial shaft via one or more end plates positioned ondistal ends of the shield. An interconnection assembly connects thewinding support structure to the asynchronous field filtering shield.The interconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torqueload experienced by the winding support structure to a tangential torqueload which is provided to the asynchronous field filtering shield.

[0017] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes one or morediscrete torque transfer assemblies. Each discrete torque transferassembly includes at least one support structure bracket assemblyrigidly attached to the winding support structure, and at least oneshield bracket assembly rigidly attached to the asynchronous fieldfiltering shield and positioned proximate the at least one supportstructure bracket assembly. At least one thermally-insulating tangentialload-bearing member, which is positioned between the at least onesupport structure bracket assembly and the at least one shield bracketassembly, connects the at least one support structure bracket assemblyand the at least one shield bracket assembly. The at least onethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. The at least one shield bracket assembly and theat least one support structure bracket assembly are constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material, such asInconel. A superconducting winding assembly is mounted on the windingsupport structure. The superconducting winding assembly is constructedusing a high-temperature superconducting material. The superconductingrotor assembly includes a refrigeration system for cooling thesuperconducting winding assembly.

[0018] According to a further aspect of this invention, aninterconnection assembly for converting a torsional torque loadexperienced by a winding support structure to a tangential torque loadwhich is provided to an asynchronous field filtering shield includes oneor more discrete torque transfer assemblies. Each discrete torquetransfer assembly includes at least one support structure bracketassembly rigidly attached to the winding support structure, and at leastone shield bracket assembly rigidly attached to the asynchronous fieldfiltering shield and positioned proximate the at least one supportstructure bracket assembly. At least one thermally-insulating tangentialload-bearing member, which is positioned between the at least onesupport structure bracket assembly and the at least one shield bracketassembly, connects the at least one support structure bracket assemblyand the at least one shield bracket assembly.

[0019] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The at least one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member isconstructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity compositematerial, such as a G-10 phenolic material. The at least one shieldbracket assembly and the at least one support structure bracket assemblyare constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial, such as Inconel.

[0020] According to a further aspect of this invention, asuperconducting rotor assembly includes an axial shaft and a windingsupport structure. At least one end plate is rigidly attached to theaxial shaft at a distal end of the winding support structure. Aninterconnection assembly connects the winding support structure to theat least one end plate. The interconnection assembly is configured toconvert a torsional torque load experienced by the winding supportstructure to a tangential torque load which is provided to the at leastone end plate.

[0021] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes one or morediscrete torque transfer assemblies. Each discrete torque transferassembly includes at least one support structure bracket assemblyrigidly attached to the winding support structure, and at least one endplate bracket assembly rigidly attached to the at least one end plateand positioned proximate the at least one support structure bracketassembly. At least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember, which is positioned between the at least one support structurebracket assembly and the at least one end plate bracket assembly,connects the at least one support structure bracket assembly and the atleast one end plate bracket assembly. The at least onethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. The at least one end plate bracket assembly andthe at least one support structure bracket assembly are constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material, such asInconel. A superconducting winding assembly is mounted on the windingsupport structure. The superconducting winding assembly is constructedusing a high-temperature superconducting material. The superconductingrotor assembly includes a refrigeration system for cooling thesuperconducting winding assembly.

[0022] According to a further aspect of this invention, aninterconnection assembly for converting a torsional torque loadexperienced by a winding support structure to a tangential torque loadwhich is provided to at least one end plate includes one or morediscrete torque transfer assemblies. Each discrete torque transferassembly includes at least one support structure bracket assemblyrigidly attached to the winding support structure, and at least one endplate bracket assembly rigidly attached to the at least one end plateand positioned proximate the at least one support structure bracketassembly. At least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember, which is positioned between the at least one support structurebracket assembly and the at least one end plate bracket assembly,connects the at least one support structure bracket assembly and the atleast one end plate bracket assembly.

[0023] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention may also include thefollowing. The interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load or a tension load.The at least one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member isconstructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity compositematerial, such as a G-10 phenolic material. The at least one end platebracket assembly and the at least one support structure bracket assemblyare constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial, such as Inconel.

[0024] One or more advantages can be provided from the above aspects ofthe invention. The cool rotor winding can be thermally insulated fromthe warm output shaft of the rotating machine. This can be accomplishedwhile providing a high-strength connection between the rotor windingsand the output shaft. The strength of the torque tube can be increasedby constructing it from a high-strength, moderately thermally insulatingmaterial. By constructing the tangential load bearing members from amoderately strong, highly thermally insulating material, the cool rotorwindings can be thermally isolated from the warm output shaft.Additionally, by positioning the tangential load bearing members so thatthey are only exposed to compressive loading, any strength-relatedshortcomings associated with the moderately strong, highly thermallyinsulating material can be minimized.

[0025] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are setforth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otherfeatures, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a superconductingrotating machine;

[0027]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an interconnection assembly of thesuperconducting rotating machine of FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 2a is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theinterconnection assembly of FIG. 2;

[0029]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional end view of a rotor assemblyincorporating an alternative embodiment of the thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly; and

[0030]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional bottom view of a rotor assemblyincorporating an alternative embodiment of the thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly.

[0031] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate likeelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a superconducting rotating machine 10 has astator assembly 12 including stator coil assemblies 14 _(1-n). As iswell known in the art, the specific number of stator coil assemblies 14_(1-n) included within stator assembly 12 varies depending on variousdesign criteria, such as whether the machine is a single phase or apolyphase machine. For example, in one 33,000 horsepower superconductingmachine design, stator assembly 12 includes one hundred and eightystator coil assemblies 14 _(1-n).

[0033] A rotor assembly 16 rotates within stator assembly 12. As withstator assembly 12, rotor assembly 16 includes rotor winding assemblies18 _(1-n). In the same 33,000 horsepower superconducting machine design,rotor assembly 16 includes twelve rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n).These rotor winding assemblies, during operation, generate a magneticflux that links rotor assembly 16 and stator assembly 12.

[0034] During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, avoltage source (not shown, i.e., a generator, a utility line, etc.)provides a supply voltage 20 to stator coil assemblies 14 _(1-n). Byapplying this supply voltage 20, machine 10 is brought up to itsoperating speed, which is proportional to the frequency of supplyvoltage 20. Accordingly, if the frequency of supply voltage 20 is heldconstant, machine 10 (i.e., rotor assembly 16) will rotate at a constant(or synchronous) speed. The torque generated by this now-rotating rotorassembly 16 is transferred to a load 21 (e.g., a propeller shaft of aship, a conveyor belt on a production line, the drive wheels of a diesellocomotive, etc.). The rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n) are mounted ona support structure 17 which is connected to a first flange 19 thattransfers the motor torque to a torque tube 22. Torque tube 22 isconnected to a thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23, whichis connected to an output shaft 24. Thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 provides a high-strength, thermally-insulating torque pathfor transferring the motor torque to load 21. Flange 19 may beincorporated into torque tube 22 or may be a separate assembly.

[0035] Output shaft 24 is supported by a pair of bearing plates 26, 28,one at each end of rotor assembly 16. The bearing plate 26 on the driveend 30 of superconducting rotating machine 10 contains a passage 32through which output shaft 24 passes. Additionally, bearing plate 28 mayalso have a passage through which the output shaft 24 passes. Bearingplates 26, 28 position rotor assembly 16 at the proper position withinstator assembly 12 so that rotor assembly 16 can freely rotate withinstator assembly 12 while maintaining the proper gap “g” between rotorassembly 16 and stator assembly 12.

[0036] During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, fieldenergy 34 is applied to rotor winding assembly 18 _(1-n) through a slipring/rotating disk assembly 35. This field energy 34 is typically in theform of a DC current because rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n) requireDC current to generate the magnetic field (and the magnetic flux) neededto link the rotor assembly 16 and stator assembly 12. However, if fieldenergy 34 is supplied in the form of an AC current, arectifier/thyristor circuit (not shown) is employed to convert the ACcurrent into a DC current.

[0037] While stator coil assemblies 14 _(1-n) are non-superconductingcopper coil assemblies, rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n) aresuperconducting assemblies incorporating either HTS (High TemperatureSuperconductor) or LTS (Low Temperature Superconductor) windings.Examples of LTS conductors are: niobium-zirconium; niobium-titanium; andniobium-tin. Examples of HTS conductors are:thallium-barium-calcium-copper-oxide;bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper-oxide;mercury-barium-calcium-copper-oxide; yttrium-barium-copper-oxide, or anyof the MgB₂ Magnesium diboride compounds As these superconductingconductors only achieve their superconducting characteristics whenoperating at low temperatures (e.g., <100° K.), superconducting machine10 includes a refrigeration system 36. Refrigeration system 36 istypically in the form of a cryogenic cooler that maintains the operatingtemperature of rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n) at an operatingtemperature sufficiently low to enable the conductors to exhibit theirsuperconducting characteristics.

[0038] Rotor assembly 16 includes an asynchronous field filtering shield38 positioned between stator assembly 12 and rotor assembly 16. As rotorassembly 16 is typically cylindrical in shape, asynchronous fieldfiltering shield 38 is also typically cylindrical in shape. Statorassembly 12 is typically powered by multiphase AC power or pulse-widthmodulated (PWM) power 20 at a frequency commensurate with the desiredshaft speed. This, in turn, generates a rotating magnetic field thatrotates about the axis of the cylindrically-shaped stator assembly 12.As stated above, the frequency of the multiphase AC power 20 supplied tostator assembly 12 proportionally controls the rotational speed ofsuperconducting machine 10. Since AC or PWM signals naturally containharmonics of their primary frequency (e.g., odd multiples of a 60 Hertzsignal), it is desirable to shield the rotor winding assemblies 18_(1-n) of rotor assembly 16 from these asynchronous fields. Accordingly,asynchronous field filtering shield 38, which is fitted to rotorassembly 16, covers (or shields) rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n) fromthe asynchronous fields generated as a result of these harmonics presentin three-phase AC power 20. Asynchronous field filtering shield 38 isconstructed of a non-magnetic material (e.g., copper, aluminum, etc.)and should be of a length sufficient to fully cover and shield rotorwinding assemblies 18 _(1-n). In a preferred embodiment, asynchronousfield filtering shield 38 is constructed of 6061T6 structural aluminum.The thickness of shield 38 varies inversely with respect to thefrequency of the three-phase AC power 20 supplied to stator assembly 12,which is typically in the range of 2-120 Hertz. Typically, the thicknessof shield 38 varies from ½-3 inches depending on this supply frequency.

[0039] Shield 38 is connected to output shaft 24 via a pair of endplates 40, 42. These end plates 40, 42 are rigidly connected to outputshaft 24. This rigid connection can be in the form of a weld or amechanical fastener system (e.g., bolts, rivets, splines, keyways,etc.).

[0040] A vacuum chamber sleeve 43 surrounds the rotor winding assemblies18 _(1-n). This vacuum chamber sleeve 43 is positioned between shield 38and the rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n) and is connected on itsdistal ends to end plate 40, 42. This connection can be in the form of aweld, a braze, or a mechanical fastener system (e.g., bolts, rivets,splines, keyways, etc.). Typically, vacuum chamber sleeve 43 isrelatively thin (e.g., {fraction (3/16)}″) and is constructed ofstainless steel. When vacuum chamber sleeve 43 is connected to the endplates, an air tight chamber is formed which encloses the rotor windingassemblies 18 _(1-n). This air-tight chamber can then be evacuated, thusforming a vacuum within the chamber. This helps to insulate the rotorwinding assemblies 18 _(1-n) (which are superconducting and kept cool)from output shaft 24 (which is warm).

[0041] As stated above, a gap “g” exists between stator assembly 12 androtor assembly 16. In order to reduce the size of superconductingrotating machine 10, it is desirable to reduce the dimensions of thisgap (or spacing) to a minimum allowable value. In the same 33,000horsepower superconducting machine, this gap “g” has a value of justover one inch. Specifically, due to the maximization of the fluxlinkage, the efficiency of machine 10 is maximized when gap “g” isminimized. Unfortunately, when gap “g” is minimized, shield 38 gets veryclose to the windings of stator coil assembly 14 _(1-n).

[0042] During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, shield38 will heat up as a result of eddy current heating caused by thepresence of the asynchronous fields described above. As metals(especially aluminum) are known to expand when heated, it is importantthat rotor assembly 16 be capable of accommodating this expansion. Thisexpansion can occur in two dimensions, both axially (i.e., along thedirection of the output shaft 24) and radially (i.e., along thedirection of the rotor assembly's radius). Accordingly, rotor assembly16 typically includes a pair of interconnection assemblies 44, 46 forconnecting shield 38 to end plates 40, 42. These interconnectionsassemblies 44, 46 compensate for the thermal expansion of shield 38 byallowing for axial movement between shield 38 and end plates 40, 42while restricting tangential movement.

[0043] As stated above, torque tube 22 in combination withthermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 transfer the torquegenerated by superconducting rotating machine 10 to load 21.Accordingly, torque tube 22 must be constructed of a materialsufficiently strong enough to withstand the torsional twisting of thistorque load. A typical example of such a material is Inconel™ (IncoAlloys International, Inc., 3200 Riverside Drive Huntington, WV 25720),which provides relatively low thermal conductivity in addition to a highlevel of strength. The relatively low thermal conductivity of Inconel™resists the transfer of heat from the warm output shaft 24 to the coolrotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n).

[0044] As stated above, in order for rotor winding assemblies 18 _(1-n)to achieve their superconducting characteristics, these windingassemblies 18 _(1-n) must be kept cool. Accordingly,thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 must provide ahigh-level of thermal insulation between the relatively cool torque tube22 and the warm output shaft 24. Additionally, as stated above, thisthermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 must be sufficientlystrong to withstand the torque (and torsional twisting) generated bysuperconducting rotating machine 10. Unfortunately, metallic materialssuch as Inconel™ do not provide the required level of thermalinsulation. Further, composite materials (e.g., G-10 phenolic,woven-glass epoxy, etc.), while providing a high level of thermalinsulation, do not provide the required level of shear strength neededto withstand the torsional twisting and torque generated bysuperconducting rotating machine 10. Accordingly, thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23 utilizes a high-strength material (such asInconel™) at the points where the thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 contacts torque tube 22 and output shaft 24 in a shearconfiguration. Additionally, thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 utilizes a high thermally insulating material placed into atangentially loaded configuration (i.e., either compression or tension)to act as a heat barrier which minimizes the transfer of thermal energyfrom the warm output shaft 24 to the relatively cool torque tube 22.

[0045] Accordingly, thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23uses a combination of materials to produce an assembly that is bothstrong and thermally insulating. Specifically, since the torque tube 22is subjected to high levels of torsional loading and twisting, this tube22 is constructed of a high-strength material (such as Inconel™).Additionally, the portions of assembly 23 that are placed in ahigh-shear configuration due to this torsional loading, such as anyflanges that connect assembly 23 to torque tube 22 or output shaft 24,are also constructed of a high-strength material. Thethermally-insulating characteristics of interconnection assembly 23 area result of using a high thermally insulating material (e.g., G-10phenolic, woven-glass epoxy, etc.) to minimize the transfer of thermalenergy from the warm output shaft 24 to the cool torque tube 22.Unfortunately, this high thermally insulating material does not have thelevel of strength required to handle high torsional loads, such as thoseexperienced by torque tube 22 or the flanges that connect assembly 23 totorque tube 22 and output shaft 24. Therefore, the high thermallyinsulating material used in assembly 23, which acts as a heat barrierthat minimizes the transfer of thermal energy from the warm output shaft24 to the relatively cool torque tube 22, is positioned in atangentially-loaded configuration. By positioning this high thermallyinsulating material in a tangentially loaded configuration, the load itexperiences is linear, essentially parallel to the tangential rotationof the torque tube, and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of thetorque tube.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the details of one embodiment of thethermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 as shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed above, are shown. Typically, torque tube 22 includes a flange100 for connecting torque tube 22 to thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23. Thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 includes a torque tube flange 102 configured to mate withflange 100 of torque tube 22. Typically, torque tube flange 102 isconstructed of a high strength material such as Inconel™ and theseflanges 100 and 102 are bolted together using high strength bolts 104.

[0047] Thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23 includes anaxial flange 106 which connects thermally-insulating interconnectionassembly 23 to output shaft 24. Typically, axial flange 106 isconstructed of a high-strength material such as Inconel™ and this flange106 is connected to a flange 108 on output shaft 24 using high strengthbolts 110. Alternatively, axial flange 106 may be in the form of acollar (not shown) which surrounds output shaft 24 and is connected toshaft 24 via some form of rigid connection. This rigid connection can bein the form of a weld or a mechanical fastener system (e.g., bolts,rivets, splines, keyways, etc.). This configuration would eliminate theneed for a flange 108 on output shaft 24.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2a, axial flange 106 need not bedirectly connected to output shaft 24. For example, sincesuperconducting rotating machine 10 includes a pair of end plates 40,42, and each of these end plates is rigidly attached to output shaft 24,axial flange 106 can be connected to one of these end plates. This rigidconnection can be in the form of a weld or a mechanical fastener system(e.g., bolts, rivets, etc.). This configuration (as shown in FIG. 2a)would eliminate the need for a flange 108 on output shaft 24, as the endplate would function as the flange and the motor torque would betransferred to output shaft 24 through the end plate.

[0049] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23 includes thermally-insulating tangentialload bearing members 112 _(1-n) for connecting torque tube flange 102and axial flange 106. As stated above, composite materials, such as G-10phenolic or woven-glass epoxy, have poor shear strength capabilities,thus making them a poor choice for flanges 102 and 106, as they are in ashear configuration. However, these composite material have acceptabletangential loading capabilities. Specifically, these materials havemoderate tension capabilities and good compression capabilities.

[0050] Please note that while this illustration shows two of thesethermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 112 _(1-n), this isfor illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation ofthe invention. Specifically, the number of thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing members 112 _(1-n) utilized could be variedaccording to the torque load expected to be transferred throughthermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23. In the same 33,000horsepower superconducting machine design, thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly 23 would include four thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing members 112 _(1-n).

[0051] Torque tube flange 102 includes one protruding bracket assembly114 _(1-n) for each thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member112 _(1-n) utilized. These protruding bracket assemblies 114 _(1-n) areattached to the face 116 of torque tube flange 102. These brackets 114_(1-n) may be welded or bolted to torque tube flange 102 and tend to bepositioned radially about flange 102.

[0052] Axial flange 106 also includes one protruding bracket assembly118 _(1-n) for each thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member112 _(1-n) utilized. As above, these protruding bracket assemblies 118_(1-n) are positioned radially about flange 106, are attached to theface (not shown) of axial flange 106, and are welded or bolted to axialflange 106. Please note that bracket assemblies 118 _(1-n) are shownbeing detached from axial flange 106 to ease and unclutter theillustration.

[0053] One of the bracket assemblies 114 _(1-n) attached to torque tubeflange 102 and one of the bracket assemblies 118 _(1-n) attached to theaxial flange 106 are each connected to opposite sides of one of thethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112 _(1-n).Typically, the thermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 112_(1-n) are threaded on each end. These threaded ends pass throughpassages in the bracket assemblies 114 _(1-n) and 118 _(1-n) and aresecured by a nut 120 _(1-n). This rigidly attaches eachthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112 _(1-n) to abracket assembly 114 _(1-n) attached to the torque tube flange 102 and abracket assembly 118 _(1-n) attached to the axial flange 106.

[0054] During operation of superconducting rotating machine 10, a torqueload is generated which is transferred to load 21. If, for example,torque tube 22 rotates in the direction of arrow “X”, load 21 (via axialshaft 24) will provide an opposing force in the direction of arrow “Y”.Accordingly bracket assembly 114 _(1-n) will be forced toward bracketassembly 118 _(1-n), thus compressing the thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing member 112 _(1-n). Since eachthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112 _(1-n) is onlyexposed to a compression load, the strength of the composite material(e.g., G-10 phenolic, woven-glass epoxy, etc.) from which the members112 _(1-n) are constructed is sufficiently strong enough to transfersthe torque load, as these members are not subjected to shear loading.

[0055] Please note that while the above example shows thethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 112 _(1-n) beingconfigured so that they are subjected to a compression load, this is forillustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of theinvention. Specifically, while not the optimal configuration, thethermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 112 _(1-n) can beconfigured so that they are exposed to a tension load.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the details of an alternative embodiment 23′of the thermally-insulating interconnection assembly are shown (takenacross section line A-A of FIG. 1). Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, thisembodiment connects asynchronous field filtering shield 38 to windingsupport structure 17. Thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23′includes several discrete torque transfer assemblies 100 positionedradially about output shaft 24. The specific number of discrete torquetransfer assemblies 100 utilized will vary depending on the torquecapacity of each discrete torque assembly 100 and the total motor torquedelivered by superconducting rotating machine 10. Each discrete torquetransfer assembly 100 includes two support structure bracket assemblies102, 103, each of which is rigidly attached to winding support structure17. This rigid attachment can be in the form of a weld or a mechanicalfastener (e.g., a bolt). A shield bracket assembly 104, which is rigidlyattached to the asynchronous field filtering shield 38, is positionedbetween the support structure bracket assemblies 102, 103. Again, thisrigid attachment can be in the form of a weld or a mechanical fastener(e.g., a bolt). A thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member106, 107 is positioned between each support structure bracket assembly102, 103 and shield bracket assembly 104. This provides a point ofconnection and a torque path between each bracket assembly 102, 103,104. As above, thermally-insulating tangential load bearing members 106,107 are constructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivitycomposite material, such as a G-10 phenolic material. Additionally,bracket assemblies 102, 103, 104 are constructed of a high-strength, lowthermal conductivity metallic material, such as Inconel™.

[0057] In this particular embodiment, there are two support structurebracket assemblies 102, 103 and one shield bracket assembly 104. Betweenthe first support structure bracket assembly 102 and the shield bracketassembly 104, a first thermally-insulating tangential load bearingmember 106 is utilized. Further, between the second support structurebracket assembly 103 and shield bracket assembly 104, a secondthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 107 is utilized. Inthis particular configuration, if winding support structure 17 rotatesclockwise, the first thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member106 will be subjected to a compression load and the secondthermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 107 will besubjected to a tension load.

[0058] Please realize the above-described configuration is forillustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of theinvention. Accordingly, the specific number of support structure bracketassemblies and shield bracket assemblies employed can be varied inresponse to various design criteria.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the details of an alternativeembodiment 23″ of the thermally-insulating interconnection assembly areshown (taken across section line B-B of FIG. 1). Specifically, thisembodiment connects end plate 40, 42 to winding support structure 17.Thermally-insulating interconnection assembly 23″ includes severaldiscrete torque transfer assemblies 200. The specific number of discretetorque transfer assemblies 200 utilized will vary depending on thetorque capacity of each discrete torque assembly 200 and the total motortorque delivered by superconducting rotating machine 10. Each discretetorque transfer assembly 200 includes two support structure bracketassemblies 202, 203, each of which is rigidly attached to windingsupport structure 17. This rigid attachment can be in the form of a weldor a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt). An end plate bracket assembly204, which is rigidly attached to one or both end plates 40, 42 ispositioned between the support structure bracket assemblies 202, 203.Again, this rigid attachment can be in the form of a weld or amechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt). A thermally-insulating tangentialload bearing member 206, 207 is positioned between each supportstructure bracket assembly 202, 203 and end plate bracket assembly 204.This provides a point of connection and a torque path between eachbracket assembly 202, 203, 204. As above, thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing members 206, 207 are constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material, such as aG-10 phenolic material. Additionally, bracket assemblies 202, 203, 204are constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial, such as Inconel™.

[0060] In this particular embodiment, there are two support structurebracket assemblies 202, 203 and one end plate bracket assembly 204.Between the first support structure bracket assembly 202 and the endplate bracket assembly 204, a first thermally-insulating tangential loadbearing member 206 is utilized. Further, between the second supportstructure bracket assembly 203 and end plate bracket assembly 204, asecond thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member 207 isutilized. In this particular configuration, if winding support structure17 rotates clockwise (downward), the first thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing member 206 will be subjected to a compressionload and the second thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member207 will be subjected to a tension load. Since the above-describeddiscrete torque transfer assemblies 200 are positioned radially on endplates 40, 42, assemblies 208 and 209 represent side views of such adiscrete torque transfer assembly 200.

[0061] Please realize the above-described configuration is forillustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation of theinvention. Accordingly, the specific number of support structure bracketassemblies and end plate bracket assemblies employed can be varied inresponse to various design criteria.

[0062] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A superconducting rotor assembly comprising: anaxial shaft; a winding support structure; a torque tube connected tosaid winding support structure; and an interconnection assembly formechanically coupling said torque tube to said axial shaft, saidinterconnection assembly being configured to convert a torsional torqueload experienced by said torque tube to a tangential torque load whichis provided to said axial shaft.
 2. The superconducting rotor assemblyof claim 1 wherein said interconnection assembly is configured toreceive a tangential torque load which is a compression load.
 3. Thesuperconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 wherein said interconnectionassembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is atension load.
 4. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 whereinsaid interconnection assembly includes: a torque tube flange forconnecting said interconnection assembly to said torque tube; an axialflange for connecting said interconnection assembly to said axial shaft;and at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member forconnecting said torque tube flange to said axial flange.
 5. Thesuperconducting rotor assembly of claim 4 wherein said axial flange is acollar.
 6. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 4 wherein saidtorque tube flange includes at least one protruding bracket assemblypositioned radially about said torque tube flange, said at least oneprotruding bracket assembly being configured to connect said torque tubeflange to said at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember.
 7. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 4 wherein saidaxial flange includes at least one protruding bracket assemblypositioned radially about said axial flange, said at least oneprotruding bracket assembly being configured to connect said axialflange to said at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember.
 8. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 4 wherein said atleast one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member isconstructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity compositematerial.
 9. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 8 wherein saidhigh-strength, low thermal conductivity composite material is a G-10phenolic material.
 10. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1wherein said torque tube is constructed of a high-strength, low thermalconductivity metallic material.
 11. The superconducting rotor assemblyof claim 10 wherein said high-strength, low thermal conductivitymetallic material is Inconel.
 12. The superconducting rotor assembly ofclaim 1 wherein a superconducting winding assembly is mounted to saidwinding support structure, wherein said superconducting winding assemblyis constructed using a high-temperature superconducting material. 13.The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 12 wherein said hightemperature superconducting material is chosen from the group consistingof: thallium-barium-calcium-copper-oxide;bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper-oxide;mercury-barium-calcium-copper-oxide; and yttrium-barium-copper-oxide.14. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 further comprising arefrigeration system for cooling said superconducting winding assembly.15. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 1 wherein an endplate isrigidly attached to said axial shaft and said interconnection assemblyis rigidly attached to said end plate, whereby said interconnectionassembly mechanically couples said torque tube to said axial shaftthrough said end plate.
 16. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim15 wherein said interconnection assembly includes: a torque tube flangefor connecting said interconnection assembly to said torque tube; anaxial flange for connecting said interconnection assembly to said endplate; and at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember for connecting said torque tube flange to said axial flange. 17.An interconnection assembly for converting a torsional torque loadexperienced by a torque tube to a tangential torque load which isprovided to an axial shaft comprising: a torque tube flange forconnecting said interconnection assembly to said torque tube; an axialflange for connecting said interconnection assembly to said axial shaft;and at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member forconnecting said torque tube flange to said axial flange.
 18. Theinterconnection assembly of claim 17 wherein said interconnectionassembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is acompression load.
 19. The interconnection assembly of claim 17 whereinsaid interconnection assembly is configured to receive a tangentialtorque load which is a tension load.
 20. The interconnection assembly ofclaim 17 wherein said axial flange is a collar.
 21. The interconnectionassembly of claim 17 wherein said torque tube flange includes at leastone protruding bracket assembly positioned radially about said torquetube flange, said at least one protruding bracket assembly beingconfigured to connect said torque tube flange to said at least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member.
 22. Theinterconnection assembly of claim 17 wherein said axial flange includesat least one protruding bracket assembly positioned radially about saidaxial flange, said at least one protruding bracket assembly beingconfigured to connect said axial flange to s aid at least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member.
 23. The insulatinginterconnection assembly of claim 17 wherein said at least onethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material.
 24. Theinterconnection assembly of claim 23 wherein said high-strength lowthermal conductivity composite material is a G-10 phenolic material. 25.The interconnection assembly of claim 17 wherein said torque tube isconstructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial.
 26. The interconnection assembly of claim 25 wherein saidhigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material is Inconel.27. The interconnection assembly of claim 17 wherein an endplate isrigidly attached to said axial shaft and said axial flange is rigidlyattached to said end plate, whereby said axial flange is mechanicallycoupled to said axial shaft through said end plate.
 28. Theinterconnection assembly of claim 27 wherein said axial flange includesat least one protruding bracket assembly positioned radially about saidaxial flange, said at least one protruding bracket assembly beingconfigured to connect said axial flange to said at least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member.
 29. Asuperconducting rotor assembly comprising: an axial shaft; a windingsupport structure; an asynchronous field filtering shield whichsurrounds said winding support structure, said asynchronous fieldfiltering shield being connected to said axial shaft via one or more endplates positioned on distal ends of said shield; and an interconnectionassembly for mechanically coupling said winding support structure tosaid asynchronous field filtering shield, said interconnection assemblybeing configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced by saidwinding support structure to a tangential torque load which is providedto said asynchronous field filtering shield.
 30. The superconductingrotor assembly of claim 29 wherein said interconnection assembly isconfigured to receive a tangential torque load which is a compressionload.
 31. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 29 wherein saidinterconnection assembly is configured to receive a tangential torqueload which is a tension load.
 32. The superconducting rotor assembly ofclaim 29 wherein said thermally-insulating interconnection assemblyincludes one or more discrete torque transfer assemblies.
 33. Thesuperconducting rotor assembly of claim 32 wherein each said discretetorque transfer assembly includes: at least one support structurebracket assembly rigidly attached to said winding support structure; atleast one shield bracket assembly rigidly attached to said asynchronousfield filtering shield and positioned proximate said at least onesupport structure bracket assembly; and at least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member, positioned betweensaid at least one support structure bracket assembly and said at leastone shield bracket assembly, for connecting said at least one supportstructure bracket assembly to said at least one shield bracket assembly.34. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 33 wherein said at leastone thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructedof a high-strength low thermal conductivity composite material.
 35. Thesuperconducting rotor assembly of claim 34 wherein said high-strengthlow thermal conductivity composite material is a G-10 phenolic material.36. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 33 wherein said at leastone shield bracket assembly and said at least one support structurebracket assembly are constructed of a high-strength, low thermalconductivity metallic material.
 37. The superconducting rotor assemblyof claim 36 wherein said high-strength, low thermal conductivitymetallic material is Inconel.
 38. The superconducting rotor assembly ofclaim 29 wherein a superconducting winding assembly is mounted to saidwinding support structure, wherein said superconducting winding assemblyis constructed using a high-temperature superconducting material. 39.The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 29 further comprising arefrigeration system for cooling said superconducting winding assembly.40. An interconnection assembly for converting a torsional torque loadexperienced by a winding support structure to a tangential torque loadwhich is provided to an asynchronous field filtering shield comprising:one or more discrete torque transfer assemblies, each said discretetorque transfer assembly including: at least one support structurebracket assembly rigidly attached to said winding support structure; atleast one shield bracket assembly rigidly attached to said asynchronousfield filtering shield and positioned proximate said at least onesupport structure bracket assembly; and at least onethermally-insulating tangential load-bearing member, positioned betweensaid at least one support structure bracket assembly and said at leastone shield bracket assembly, for mechanically coupling said at least onesupport structure bracket assembly to said at least one shield bracketassembly.
 41. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim40 wherein said interconnection assembly is configured to receive atangential torque load which is a compression load.
 42. Thethermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 40 wherein saidinterconnection assembly is configured to receive a tangential torqueload which is a tension load.
 43. The thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly of claim 40 wherein said at least onethermally-insulating tangential load bearing member is constructed of ahigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material.
 44. Thethermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 43 wherein saidhigh-strength low thermal conductivity composite material is a G-10phenolic material.
 45. The thermally-insulating interconnection assemblyof claim 40 wherein said at least one shield bracket assembly and saidat least one support structure bracket assembly are constructed of ahigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material.
 46. Thethermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 45 wherein saidhigh-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material is Inconel.47. A superconducting rotor assembly comprising: an axial shaft; awinding support structure; at least one end plate rigidly attached tosaid axial shaft at a distal end of said winding support structure; andan interconnection assembly for mechanically coupling said windingsupport structure to said at least one end plate, said interconnectionassembly being configured to convert a torsional torque load experiencedby said winding support structure to a tangential torque load which isprovided to said at least one end plate.
 48. The superconducting rotorassembly of claim 47 wherein said interconnection assembly is configuredto receive a tangential torque load which is a compression load.
 49. Thesuperconducting rotor assembly of claim 47 wherein said interconnectionassembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is atension load.
 50. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 47 whereinsaid thermally-insulating interconnection assembly includes one or morediscrete torque transfer assemblies.
 51. The superconducting rotorassembly of claim 50 wherein each said discrete torque transfer assemblyincludes: at least one support structure bracket assembly rigidlyattached to said winding support structure; at least one end platebracket assembly rigidly attached to said at least one end plate andpositioned proximate said at least one support structure bracketassembly; and at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember, positioned between said at least one support structure bracketassembly and said at least one end plate bracket assembly, forconnecting said at least one support structure bracket assembly and saidat least one end plate bracket assembly.
 52. The superconducting rotorassembly of claim 51 wherein said at least one thermally-insulatingtangential load bearing member is constructed of a high-strength lowthermal conductivity composite material.
 53. The superconducting rotorassembly of claim 52 wherein said high-strength low thermal conductivitycomposite material is a G-10 phenolic material.
 54. The superconductingrotor assembly of claim 51 wherein said at least one end plate bracketassembly and said at least one support structure bracket assembly areconstructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallicmaterial.
 55. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 54 whereinsaid high-strength, low thermal conductivity metallic material isInconel.
 56. The superconducting rotor assembly of claim 47 wherein asuperconducting winding assembly is mounted to said winding supportstructure, wherein said superconducting winding assembly is constructedusing a high-temperature superconducting material.
 57. Thesuperconducting rotor assembly of claim 47 further comprising arefrigeration system for cooling said superconducting winding assembly.58. An interconnection assembly for converting a torsional torque loadexperienced by a winding support structure to a tangential torque loadwhich is provided to at least one end plate comprising: one or morediscrete torque transfer assemblies, each said discrete torque transferassembly including: at least one support structure bracket assemblyrigidly attached to said winding support structure; at least one endplate bracket assembly rigidly attached to said at least one end plateand positioned proximate said at least one support structure bracketassembly; and at least one thermally-insulating tangential load-bearingmember, positioned between said at least one support structure bracketassembly and said at least one end plate bracket assembly, forconnecting said at least one support structure bracket assembly and saidat least one end plate bracket assembly.
 59. The thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly of claim 58 wherein said interconnectionassembly is configured to receive a tangential torque load which is acompression load.
 60. The thermally-insulating interconnection assemblyof claim 58 wherein said interconnection assembly is configured toreceive a tangential torque load which is a tension load.
 61. Thethermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim 58 wherein saidat least one thermally-insulating tangential load bearing member isconstructed of a high-strength low thermal conductivity compositematerial.
 62. The thermally-insulating interconnection assembly of claim61 wherein said high-strength low thermal conductivity compositematerial is a G-10 phenolic material.
 63. The thermally-insulatinginterconnection assembly of claim 58 wherein said at least one end platebracket assembly and said at least one support structure bracketassembly are constructed of a high-strength, low thermal conductivitymetallic material.
 64. The thermally-insulating interconnection assemblyof claim 63 wherein said high-strength, low thermal conductivitymetallic material is Inconel.